Updated Feb 08, 2012 @ 07:45 AM
Okay, so I know you cannot swim at Virginia Beach in the winter, but you might be happily surprised to see other options offered. The weather is looking like the mid 50's right now (Feb.) and sunny. So what are you waiting for?
Whether it is a taste of history or viewing wildlife the area offers visitors unique winter options.
You can hike and bike the nine self guided trails of First Landing State Park. Yes, even in the winter. The air could be a little crisp, but there are 20 miles of trails to explore and that will warm you up! The Bald Cypress Trail will take you a mile across ponds and sand dunes. It is one of the most popular trails and is handicapped-accessible. There are also guided walks with interpreters, and trail guidebooks. Brochures can be found at the Trail Center. Bike rentals are available at the Bay Store. Don't miss the wildlife and bring your camera.
Watch the habits of the migratory birds at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This 9,000 acre park is home to a variety of birds including about 10,000 snow geese and a variety of ducks that visit in the winter. The park is much like a barrier island of the Atlantic. There are dunes, wooded area, beaches, fields and marshes. Boardwalks and hiking trails make for great hiking. You could run across a bald eagle, sea turtle and plenty of other wildlife. Have your camera ready...there is no biking from Nov. through March.
The Virginia Beach area offers several opportunities to see wildlife in the winter months.
At Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can view the thousands of snow geese that call the park home during the winter months. By hiking the three mile loop you get a chance to view the pond where the geese gather. Watch for the wild ponies on the hillsides throughout the preserve.Kiptopeke State Park is located over the Chesapeake Bridge-Tunnel just north of Virginia Beach. It is a great place to access the bay area and recreational opportunities. Best known of viewing migratory bird habitats this park was designed to study birds, including hawks, osprey and kestrels on one of their stops on the Atlantic flyway. With over 4 miles of hiking and biking trails that offer scenic travel this park also offers programs about bay ecology and natural history. For a little history Virginia Beach is not far from historic Williamsburg. A great place to visit walking the streets that our nation's forefathers walked while learning about our nation's beginnings. 
Okay, so I know you cannot swim at Virginia Beach in the winter, but you might be happily surprised to see other options offered. The weather is looking like the mid 50's right now (Feb.) and sunny. So what are you waiting for? 
Watch the habits of the migratory birds at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This 9,000 acre park is home to a variety of birds including about 10,000 snow geese and a variety of ducks that visit in the winter. The park is much like a barrier island of the Atlantic. There are dunes, wooded area, beaches, fields and marshes. Boardwalks and hiking trails make for great hiking. You could run across a bald eagle, sea turtle and plenty of other wildlife. Have your camera ready...there is no biking from Nov. through March. 
